Introduction
Documents, written in the past, offer readers an opportunity to see how life was during different periods in history. This letter, written by Galileo Galalei, was written to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany. At the time this letter was written the Grand Duchess was one of the most powerful women in Italy. She was the widow of Ferdinando I de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Her son, Cosimo II de’ Medici, became Grand Duke in 1609 and was in power when this letter was written. Galileo must have believed that a communication with the Grand Duchess could influence her son and others in power.
In addition, it seems that the letter may also be an open letter to the church, scientists, and philosophers of that period. The letter appears to support the coexistence of scientific exploration, discovery, and religion. Galileo implores the reader to try to understand that science can complement academia and the church. Galileo also explains the belief he has that science, exploration, academia, and the church can coexists rather than one or the other should be believed as the truth while all else is considered untrue.
Galileo Galilei
Galileo was a prominent philosopher and astronomer of his time. He believed that science and religion could coexist if not compliment one another. He was treated poorly by those who questioned his findings about the stars and his belief that scientific investigation and exploration could complement religion. His letter to the Grand Duchess seemed to plead for support of his theories and attempt to gain her support as a proactive ally. With her support he would gain the support of others by her approval.
His Purpose for Writing
Galileo wrote this document to gain the support of the Duchess and her son. He writes a good argument that asserts that he is not against the church. He was against people who misinterpreted the scriptures and used their interpretations to argue against him and his discoveries. Galileo asserts that his discoveries were made by a pious and devout Catholic and were not contradictory to the Church or the Bible:
“and if not, let my book be torn and burnt, as I neither intend or pretend to gain from it any fruit that is not pious and Catholic” (Galileo Galilei, p3).
Galileo’s letter to the Grand Duchess is very believable and shows Galileo as a man passionate about his belief that scientific discoveries are not made for the sole purpose of discrediting the Catholic Church or the Bible. The letter portrays Galileo as a man who truly believes that discoveries are there to be found. During the time this letter was written many believed in ‘blind faith’ or that the leadership of the Church would not mislead its congregations. The value highlighted in Galileo’s letter is that the Church and science can coexist.
Galileo was a man ahead of his time. He made important discoveries while also maintaining his allegiance to the Catholic Church. Many of today’s best scientists are faithful churchgoers and passionate about science as well. Galileo would be very pleased about how science and religion have coexisted for some time.
Works Cited
Galilei, Galileo. (1615) Galileo Galilei: Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615.